Sitting Beside the Inner Critic: A Conversation and a Creative Invitation

Recently, I joined a beautiful podcast conversation all about something so many of us quietly wrestle with: the inner critic. You know the voice — the one that whispers (or shouts) things like “you’re not doing enough,” “you’re not good at this,” or “you’re embarrassing yourself.” 

That voice can be relentless, especially when we want to do something just for us — something joyful, creative, or outside our comfort zone.

Click on the image to listen to the podcast episode

In our chat, I shared what I’ve come to learn through both personal healing and my work with others: we’re not just dealing with one inner critic — we often have a whole crew of them. And while they can sound harsh, most of these inner voices are parts of us that are desperately trying to protect something vulnerable. They’re not “bad.” They’re scared. And they’re working incredibly hard to keep us safe.

One of my own inner critics has been particularly fierce when it comes to my mothering. This part would say awful, shaming things to me — things I would never say to another mother — in an attempt to “motivate” me to be better. It used guilt as a tool, believing it was the only way to keep me showing up. It took a long time to build a trusting relationship with this part. But over time, through journaling, self-compassion, and deep inner work, it softened. Now, it’s more like a consultant than a critic — it offers perspective without crushing me with guilt or shame. We actually get along fine now. And I mother from a much more grounded, connected place.

Another critic shows up when I even think about doing something creative — art, singing, writing just for fun. It chimes in with things like “Don’t waste your time, energy, or money.” “Who do you think you are?” “You’re embarrassing yourself.” It took me years to understand that this voice isn’t trying to sabotage me — it’s trying to shield me from shame and rejection. Now when it pipes up, I acknowledge it gently. I thank it for its effort, offer it compassion, and suggest we experiment a little. “Let’s just see what happens,” I say. And when I do this — over and over, with kindness — that inner critic starts to trust me. We create a little more self-trust together, without force or silencing. I let it speak, and then I ask it to step aside so my true self can lead.

This is what I invite you into in my online offering:

The Art of Self-Compassion – Create Alongside Your Inner Critic.

This self-paced creative experience gently guides you through journaling and expressive art to build a more compassionate relationship with your inner critic. It’s not about silencing it or getting rid of it — it’s about sitting beside it, hearing what it has to say, and choosing self-leadership instead.

Because this work doesn’t stay on the journal page. It ripples out.

• In motherhood — you begin to trust your instincts more, and perfectionism loosens its grip.

• In your creative pursuits — you stop waiting to feel “ready” and start creating because it brings you joy.

• In your relationships — you stop apologising for being human and start expressing your truth calmly and clearly.

This is one of my self-portraits I created with the method I am inviting you to try

You don’t have to be “good” at art or journaling. You just have to be willing to show up with curiosity.

This experience is for you if you:

• Feel blocked by overthinking, perfectionism, or harsh self-talk

• Long to reconnect with creativity and self-expression

• Crave a way to meet yourself with more softness and truth

• Are tired of your critic calling the shots when it comes to joy

  
  

You’re invited to explore this at your own pace, in your own time — and yes, your inner critic can come too. But this time, she won’t be in charge.

I hope this inspires you to be more curious and compassionate with your inner critics.

Warmly,

Lisa